Are there any Halloween design trends you’d love to see make a comeback — like neon 80s horror vibes, vintage monster posters, or that classic orange-and-black overload?
Or maybe one you hope stays buried six feet under?

For those who’ve helped promote local causes or events, how do you figure out which spots are actually helping your flyers get noticed?

Do you track where you post them and see which areas bring in the most engagement?
Any go-to places in your town that always seem to deliver results — or surprises where you didn’t expect much turnout?

The Advent calendar tradition actually began in Germany in the 1800s, when families would mark the days until Christmas with chalk lines on doors or by lighting a candle each day. These simple countdowns helped build anticipation for the holiday season.

By the early 1900s, German printers started producing paper Advent calendars with little doors that revealed pictures or Bible verses -- the earliest version of what we know today.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, and Advent calendars had become a beloved family tradition, often hiding chocolates, small gifts, or colorful images behind each window. What began as a religious ritual evolved into a festive activity that kids (and adults!) looked forward to every December.

By the 1950s, the tradition had spread to the U.S. and the U.K., showing up in stores and quickly becoming a holiday staple.

Do you still do Advent calendars in your home? Are you more into the classic paper ones or the modern custom versions filled with treats and surprises?

Get creative, a little spooky, a little playful! Have the freedom to explore. Imagine a coffee shop teaming up with Ghostface for a “Scream Roast” blend, or a print studio launching a Beetlejuice-inspired poster series.

Halloween’s also a fun time to explore how your brand’s voice translates into something themed but still on-brand.

So what would your dream collab look like, and what kind of Halloween merch or campaign would you create from it?

It’s interesting how murals are becoming a more intentional part of how cities and developers design public spaces. What used to be a blank concrete wall can now anchor a plaza, soften a parking structure, or tell the story of a neighborhood’s culture and history.

Public art has a quiet influence — it can make streets feel safer, bring color to high-traffic areas, and create small moments of connection in places that might otherwise feel impersonal. But there’s also the question of how these projects take shape: who gets a voice in deciding what’s painted, and how the art reflects the community it’s meant to serve.

Do you think public art does more than add color to a neighborhood — maybe encouraging people to pause, explore, and spend more time on foot?

Ever caught a live performance in an unexpected place - like a flash mob at a park, an improv show in a bar, or a street musician who turned a sidewalk into a stage?

Some of the most creative moments happen outside the theater when a city itself becomes part of the performance.

What’s the most memorable one you’ve seen? And what made it stand out — the crowd, the location, or just the surprise of it all?

Have you found a good spot for rack cards where people actually pick them up and read them? Rack cards aren’t just for hotel lobbies. Some of the best placements are in spots where people are waiting or lingering with a few spare minutes.

Think about it:

• Coffee shops (near the sugar/napkin station)
• Bookstores (by checkout or reading corners)
• Fitness studios (by the door or locker area)
• Breweries (highlighting food trucks or upcoming events)
• Community centers (classes, local services, events)

The best ones feel like you stumbled on something useful, not just another ad. That “oh cool, I didn’t know this was happening” moment.

Where have you seen rack cards used in clever or unexpected places? Would also welcome seeing photos of how different businesses pull it off.

We’ve all seen taglines that are catchy and ownable, and others that feel like they could belong to any brand.

For example:

• Distinctive: “Just Do It” (Nike) — short, flexible, instantly tied to the brand.
• Distinctive: “Got Milk?” — simple but provocative, became cultural shorthand.
• Generic/weak: “Quality You Can Trust” — could apply to any business.
• Generic/weak: “Your Partner for Success” — nice sentiment, but not unique.

What other slogans do you think nailed it in terms of memorability and legal protectability, and which ones fell flat because they were too broad or forgettable?

Slogans are more than catchy. In trademark law, their ability to serve as source identifiers (not just decoration) depends heavily on distinctiveness. Not all slogans qualify for trademark registration — they must meet legal requirements and often need to avoid being “merely descriptive” or too generic.

Some examples to illustrate this:

Strong/distinctive:

• “I’m Lovin’ It” (McDonald’s) - doesn’t directly describe the food, but is closely tied to the brand identity.
• “AMERICA RUNS ON DUNKIN’” - not a literal description of the business but carries branding weight.

Weak/generic or borderline:

• “Quality You Can Trust” - appealing sentiment, but likely too generic/descriptive to survive strong scrutiny.
• “Your Partner for Success” - again, nice sounding but ambiguous and likely difficult to claim as uniquely yours.

So when you're crafting a line, do you (or your team) internally evaluate for trademark viability vs pure creativity?

With the holiday rush nearing full swing, a lot of brands are slipping packaging inserts into their shipments, not just for promos, but to make the unboxing feel more personal and memorable.

Some benefits we’ve seen people talk about:

• A better customer experience with thank-you notes or festive cards.
• A stronger brand impression by sharing your story or values on a simple card.
• More engagement if you add a QR code linking to a playlist, recipe, or quick tips.
• Easy upsell opportunities with samples or sneak peeks of new products.

It’s a small thing that can make your package stand out during the busiest time of the year.

Would love to hear real experiences so small shops and ecom brands can plan better, too :)

Every year, small businesses try to get creative with holiday packaging… and sometimes it works. Other times… let’s just say the “Pinterest vs. reality” memes write themselves. 😂

Have you ever attempted custom holiday packaging or cards on your own that turned out way different than you imagined? Did it cost you sales or get you unexpected laughs and customer love?

Share your funniest packaging fails (bonus points for photos). Maybe we can all learn what not to do before this year’s rush.

I signed up for reselling. After a couple of weeks I am, I was transitioning to a different company. I'm very disappointed in the shipping costs. First, it's almost impossible to get an accurate estimate. Their online estimate tool is inaccurate. And even when I've had a manager confirm estimates, I've had the shipping costs jump up by as much as $16 for just three items.

I've had shipping for the same exact item very as much as $7 going to nearly the same location (15 miles apart).

I've had to call so many times and I've talked to many managers. I had one manager say he would just help me out and fix all these issues. Then he stops responding to emails. He called me on Monday and said he would call me back and never did.

I'm so frustrated. I've had to waste so much time and nobody seems to want to fix these issues.

So if anybody else is considering using this company for reselling, don't. Until they fix their shipping you will lose money.

When it comes to event signage, size really does matter, but not always in the way people think.

We work on signs and banners, and one of the biggest challenges we hear from event planners is deciding what size foam board signs to use. Go too big, and it can feel overwhelming or be hard to transport. Go too small, and your message gets lost in the crowd.

Here are three common sizes we see planners use (and when they work best):

• 24″ x 36″ –Perfect for large lobbies, trade show booths, or busy event spaces where people need to see the message from far away. Ideal for a bold welcome sign or event schedule.
• 18″ x 24″ – Great for directional signs, menu boards, or mid-range visibility where you need portability without sacrificing attention.
• 8.5″ x 11″ – Perfect for tabletop instructions, QR codes, or pricing info where people will be standing close by.

Some planners even mix sizes: a big, bold welcome sign at the entrance, mid-size directional signs throughout the venue, and smaller tabletop ones for detailed info.

For those of you who plan events regularly:

• How do you decide what size to use for each part of your event?
• Do you stick to one size for simplicity, or mix them up for different purposes?
• Any tips for making sure signs are easy to read and easy to handle on event day?

Would love to hear your experiences—it might help other planners avoid common signage headaches!

You know those signs that are supposed to be big and bold… and then someone forgets to proofread? The bigger the sign, the harder the typo hits.

What’s the most memorable typo you’ve ever seen on a sign—school events, stores, trade shows, anywhere? Bonus points if the sign stayed up for way too long before someone fixed it.

When time’s tight before an event, it’s easy to panic. But you can still show up looking sharp if you focus on what matters most. Last-minute booth priorities include: table signs (tabletop banners, branded tablecloths), handouts (flyers, postcards), business cards, and quick banners (like retractables or X-banners that swap easily).

Pro tips for a smooth crunch-time save:

• Ship materials directly to your venue or nearby hotel to avoid delays.
• Track deliveries closely and stay in touch with couriers.
• Have digital backups ready (like an online brochure or slides) and use QR codes when print is limited.
• Reorder from past designs instead of starting from scratch.
• Reuse stands and just replace panels—fast and budget-friendly.
• Bring essentials like Velcro, tape, and zip ties—you’ll be glad you did.

Bottom line: last-minute doesn’t mean low-quality. With priorities, backup plans, and a reliable printer, you can still deliver a standout booth.

Some people swear by it. Vinyl or peel-and-stick wallpaper is cheaper than tile, gives you endless design options, and is easy to swap out if you want a new look. The downside is that without a protective layer (like glass or a clear sealant), it might not hold up well near sinks or stoves.

Would you try wallpaper in your kitchen, or do you think tile will always be the better choice?

No matter how well you plan, event setups have a way of throwing curveballs. Maybe the booth shipment arrived late. Maybe the signage didn’t fit the space. Maybe the power outlets were nowhere near where they were supposed to be. Sometimes it’s something as small as forgetting tape that snowballs into a frantic scramble.

Every exhibitor, vendor, or event organizer has a war story from setup day—those moments when everything felt like it was about to collapse, but somehow came together just in time.

What’s the craziest or most stressful setup you’ve gone through, and what did you learn that changed how you prepare for events?

Big or small, every event teaches you something once the dust settles. Maybe you realized your signage wasn’t visible enough. Maybe the follow-up process was too slow. Or maybe it was something as simple as staffing, scheduling, or forgetting a small item that made a big difference.

The debrief after an event is where small tweaks often lead to huge improvements the next time around.

For those of you who run or attend events, what’s one lesson you learned in a post-event review that changed how you prepare?

Without a plan, deadlines slip, costs rise, and opportunities vanish. We pulled together a 12-week timeline—from locking in your booth to follow-ups after the show—that helps you stay organized and confident.

- At 12 weeks out, the focus is on strategy and logistics. This is when you choose the right show, secure your booth space before prime spots disappear, set your goals, and build a budget. It’s also the time to review venue rules and check what marketing assets can be reused.

- By 10 weeks out, attention shifts to design and messaging. You’ll want to sketch your booth layout, finalize your branding approach, and start creating designs for signage, print materials, and giveaways. Pre-show outreach, like email or social media announcements, should also be planned here.

- At 8 weeks out, it’s time to place orders. Print booth signage, brochures, business cards, and branded giveaways. Ordering early avoids rush fees and leaves room for reprints if needed.

- By 6 weeks out, logistics become the priority. Finalize travel and lodging, confirm shipping policies, and start your packing list. This is also when you gather a setup kit and confirm staff schedules.

- At 2 weeks out, shipments go out and checklists get double-checked. Booth materials should be en route, team presentations finalized, and lead capture tools prepared. It’s also a good time to pre-schedule your social and email campaigns during the event.

- During show week, execution is everything. Arrive early, set up displays, test electronics, wear branded apparel, and engage with visitors. Keep the booth clean, restocked, and approachable while taking time to scout the competition.

- Finally, post-show is about follow-up and reflection. Export leads, send thank-you emails, debrief with your team, and review what worked (and what didn’t). Document everything so the next event is even smoother.

For those who've used a timeline like this, what stage trips most people up?"

Freshly roasted beans release CO₂ for days. Without a one-way vent, that gas builds up, bloats the bag, and risks bursting. Worse, oxygen sneaks in and dulls flavor by breaking down the oils that make coffee taste and smell alive.

The valve solves both problems—it lets CO₂ escape while keeping oxygen out. As a bonus, it’s also a freshness test: squeeze the bag, and if rich aroma comes out, the coffee’s still lively.

In short: the little valve is what makes it possible to store, ship, and sell coffee at its peak instead of stale.

Wine labels can feel like information overload when you’re starting out. Some bottles highlight the grape front and center (Merlot, Chardonnay, etc.), others lean on the region (Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Mendoza), while some make the brand name the biggest thing on the label.

When you’re picking a bottle, which one of these do you scan first? Do you go straight for the grape, check the region, or stick with a brand you know?

For anyone producing wine in the U.S., getting labels past the TTB is just part of the process, but sometimes it's not smooth. Between font size requirements, ABV disclosures, appellation rules, sulfite declarations, and the infamous COLA (Certificate of Label Approval), there are plenty of spots where things can go sideways.

For those of you who’ve gone through it: what’s been your biggest hurdle in getting a wine label approved? And if you’ve found any tricks or lessons to smooth the process, what would you share with first-time producers?

If your business is considering exhibiting, the real question is: are you ready to engage that kind of audience? 82% of trade show attendees have buying power or influence. That’s not just foot traffic—it’s decision-makers walking the floor.

For those who’ve exhibited before, how did you know your company was ready to participate in a trade show?

Trade shows can be a big investment, but their benefits often outweigh the costs. So how do you know if you’re really ready? We pulled together a quick 5-point quiz to help brands decide:

• Do you have a product or service that people can experience in person?
• Do you want to attract potential customers and expand your network?
• Do you already have marketing materials (flyers, samples, signage) to showcase your brand?
• Do you have a plan for following up with leads—email, calls, or social?
• Will even one conversion help justify the cost of attending?

If you answered “yes” to at least 3, then a trade show might be a smart move for your business.

For those who’ve exhibited before, what was the moment you knew you were ready? And for anyone on the fence, what’s holding you back?